Ministry

Building People with God: A Strong Start to 2026

Early in the school year, many of us feel it: the fresh-start energy… and the pressure. 

New routines, new expectations, new friendships to navigate, new work to manage. Whether you’re a Year 7 finding your way, a Year 12 leading the way, a parent supporting from home, or a staff member carrying a full load, it can feel like we’re all building something, one day at a time.

That’s exactly the language we’re using this year at Endeavour: Building People with God. And in Term 1, our focus is Design and Preparation. The idea that what we build matters, and so do the plans, patterns, and voices shaping us.

In our first chapel, students reflected on the traits that help leaders and learners thrive. Things like kindness, inclusion, care, and responsibility. It was a great reminder that most of us share a similar “design” for the kind of community we want: one where people are respected, supported, and encouraged to become their best.

But chapel also asked a deeper question: Who should help design us? 

We all have people who influence us; sometimes for our good, sometimes for their agenda. In the chapel message, we pictured Jesus as the true “architect”: the one who knows people best, loves people most, and designs life toward wholeness.

Jesus ended one of his most famous teachings with a picture of strength: the wise person who hears his words and puts them into practice is like someone building on rock, steady when storms come (Matthew 7:24–27). 

That’s both an invitation and a promise: not perfection, but a solid foundation.

And here’s the heart of it for our diverse school community: you belong here while you build. 

If you’re confident in faith, Jesus calls you to live his love in practical ways. If you’re unsure, curious, or still working out what you believe, you are welcome — questions and all. 

Jesus doesn’t coerce; he calls, he leads, he restores, and he walks with people.

Thought to ponder: Who are the “builders” shaping my life right now, and what kind of person are they helping me become?

Chris Mann

College Pastor